Plug connector for cable television network and method of use

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector. The plug connector also includes an electrical by-pass pathway that: i) electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and ii) does not electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/777,694,filed Feb. 12, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,888,078; which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 10/330,450, filed Dec. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,720,841; which is a divisional application Ser. No. 09/780,585,filed Feb. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,562; which applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to telecommunications components for use intelecommunications systems such as cable television networks.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the telecommunications industry and more particularly in the videotransmission industry (e.g., the cable television environment),broad-band radio frequency (RF) signals (i.e., 5 MHz to 1 GHz) arecarried over coax conductors from a headend to consumers. At the headendof the system, numerous signals are manipulated to achieve a widevariety of functions and objectives. For example, signals carried onnumerous coax cables may be combined onto a single coax conductor.Similarly, a signal on a main coax conductor may be divided into aplurality of signals carried on branch coax conductors. Additionally,signals may be added or removed from a main conductor throughdirectional couplers or the like.

In addition to combining, splitting, diverting or adding signals, theheadend will also include apparatus for modifying signals. For example,in order to adequately tune the system, it may be desirable to provideattenuators or the like to attenuate a signal to a desired level.Further, as a broadband RF signal is carried over a length of cable, thehigh frequency range of the signal may be attenuated more than a lowfrequency range of the signal. As a result, equalizers are utilized tomodify the signal to have a level intensity throughout its frequencyrange.

Frequently, tuning is accomplished through the use of plug-in devices(e.g., attenuators or equalizers). Exemplary systems including plug-indevices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,930, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Currently the cable television environment uses plug-in devices thatbreak the signal paths while changing out the plug-in devices. However,with the new opportunities that are present in the cable televisionenvironment (e.g., telephony, data and 911 service), it is important toprevent signal paths from being broken. Thus, what are needed areplug-in devices for the cable television industry that prevent signalpaths from being broken when plug-in devices are changed out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a telecommunicationsapparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and thirdpins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector forreceiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, secondand third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first,second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in theplug connector. The plug connector also includes an electrical by-passpathway that: i) electrically connects the first and second electricalcontacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector suchthat a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact,pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit theplug connector through the second contact; and ii) does not electricallyconnect the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fullyinserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plugconnector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the secondcontact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an RF combiner modulesuitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts radio frequency circuitry suitable for usewith the combiner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of another RF combiner modulesuitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of radio frequency circuitry suitable for usewith the combiner of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of an RF equalizer modulesuitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of radio frequency circuitry suitable for usewith the equalizer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A schematically shows a portion of a combiner having a plugconnector in accordance with the principles of the present invention, anattenuator plug is shown fully inserted within the plug connector;

FIG. 7B schematically shows the combiner of FIG. 7A with the plugpartially removed from the plug connector;

FIG. 7C shows a modified version of the plug connector of FIGS. 7A and7B.

FIG. 8 shows a second plug connector constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 9A shows a third plug connector constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention, the plug connector is shown with aplug fully inserted therein;

FIG. 9B shows the plug connector of FIG. 9A with the plug partiallyremoved from the plug connector;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth plug connector constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the plug connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A schematically shows a portion of an equalizer having a fifthplug connector in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, an equalizer plug is shown fully inserted within the plugconnector; and

FIG. 12B schematically shows the equalizer of FIG. 12A with the plugpartially removed from the plug connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the several drawing figures in which identical elementsare numbered identically throughout, a description of the preferredembodiment of the present invention will now be provided.

An important aspect of the present invention relates to plug connectorsconfigured for preventing signal paths from being broken during plugchanges. The phrase “plug connector” will be understood to includedevices or arrangements adapted for receiving or otherwise providingelectrical connections with plugs. In preferred embodiments, the plugconnectors are adapted for providing electrical connections withmulti-pin (e.g., three or four pin) RF circuitry plugs such as equalizerplugs or attenuator plugs.

The various aspects of the present invention assist in reducing downtimeexperienced by network headends (e.g., cable television headends) duringnetwork reconfigurations. This reduction in downtime is particularlyimportant in cable television systems because of the increasedprevalence of services such as telephony services, 911 services and dataservices. Further, in certain embodiments, the inventive plug connectorscan be configured to allow signals to pass therethrough even in theabsence of plugs. This allows plugs to be eliminated with respect tocertain lines thereby reducing cost.

FIGS. 1–6 show exemplary RF equipment for which plug connectors inaccordance with the present invention could be used. It will beappreciated that the disclosed RF components are merely examples of thetype of equipment to which the various aspects of the present inventionare applicable. Thus, it will also be appreciated that the variousaspects of the present invention are applicable to types of RFcomponents other than those specifically shown. Further, the presentinvention has general applicability in the telecommunications field, andis not limited to RF applications.

FIG. 1 shows an eight port RF combiner module 10 suitable for use inpracticing various aspects of the present invention. The module 10includes a housing 12 having a generally rectangular frame 14. The frame14 defines a front 16 positioned opposite from a back 18. Oppositelypositioned end walls 20 and 22 extend between the front 16 and the back18 and define minor sides of the frame 14. Major sides 24 and 26 of theframe 14 are open. The major sides 24 and 26 of the frame 14 arerespectively enclosed by removable plates 28 and 30 secured to the frame14 by fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws).

The housing 12 is adapted for at least partially enclosing radiofrequency circuitry (e.g., splitter circuitry, combiner circuitry,etc.). While the circuitry could have any number known configurations,preferably the circuitry is provided on a circuit board 32 sized to bemounted within the housing 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thecircuitry includes eight attenuator plugs 34-1 to 34-8 positionedadjacent to a front edge of the circuit board 32. The attenuator plugs34-1 to 34-8 are received within corresponding plug connectors 36-1 to36-8 mounted on the board 32 adjacent the front edge of the board 32.When the circuit board 32 is mounted within the housing 12, theattenuator plugs 34-1 to 34-8 can be accessed through an elongated plugaccess opening 38 defined by the front 16 of the frame 14. The housing12 preferably also includes a removable front cover 40 that is securedto the front 16 of the frame 14 so as to cover the plug access opening38. By removing the front cover 40 from the frame 14, the attenuatorplugs 34-1 to 34-8 can be accessed through the plug access opening 38.The module 10 further includes a plurality of connectors 42-0 to 42-8(only 8 are visible in FIG. 1) mounted at the back 18 of the frame 14.While the connectors 42-0 to 42-8 can have any number of configurations,the connectors are preferably 75 ohm coaxial connectors such as BNC typeconnectors or F type connectors. The connectors 42-0 to 42-8 arepreferably connected to a rear edge of the circuit board 32 byconventional techniques such as card edge connectors. Additionally,grounded shields of the connectors 42-0 to 42-8 are preferably inelectrical contact with the frame 14 of the housing 12. A monitor port41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 32, and is adapted tobe mounted at the front side 16 of the housing 12.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts an exemplary circuit diagram for thecombiner of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the combiner includes a firsttwo-to-one combiner 44-1 electrically connected to plug connectors 36-1and 36-2, a second two-to-one combiner 44-2 electrically connected toplug connectors 36-3 and 36-4, a third two-to-one combiner 44-3electrically connected to plug connectors 36-5 and 36-6, and a fourthtwo-to-one combiner 44-4 electrically connected to plug connectors 36-7and 36-8. The first and second combiners 44-1 and 44-2 are electricallyconnected to a fifth two-to-one combiner 44-5, and the third and fourthtwo-to-one combiners 44-3 and 44-4 are electrically connected to a sixthtwo-to-one combiner 44-6. The fifth and sixth two-to-one combiners 44-5and 44-6 are electrically connected to a seventh two-to-one combiner44-7. The seventh two-to-one combiner 44-7 is electrically connected toa directional coupler 46. The directional coupler 46 is electricallyconnected to coaxial connector 42-0 as well as monitor port 41.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the combiners 44-1 to44-7 are depicted as transformers. Additionally, the system includestransformers 48 for converting signals combined by the combiners 44-1 to44-7 from 37.5 ohms back to 75 ohms.

In use of the system of FIG. 2, signals input at connectors 42-1 and42-2 pass respectively through attenuator plugs 34-1 and 34-2 and arecombined by combiner 44-1, and signals input through connectors 42-3 and42-4 are passed respectively through attenuator plugs 34-3 and 34-4 andcombined by combiner 44-2. In the same manner, signals input atconnectors 42-5 and 42-6 are passed respectively through attenuatorplugs 34-5 and 34-6 and combined at combiner 44-3, and signals inputthrough connectors 42-7 and 42-8 are respectively passed throughattenuator plugs 34-7 and 34-8 and combined at combiner 44-4. Atcombiner 44-5, the combined signal from combiner 44-1 is combined withthe combined signal from combiner 44-2. At the combiner 44-6, thecombined signal from combiner 44-3 is combined with the combined signalfrom combiner 44-4. At combiner 44-7, the combined signals fromcombiners 44-5 and 44-6 are combined to provide a single, main signal.The main signal is passed through the directional coupler 46 and outputfrom the module through connector 42-0. At the directional coupler 46, asmall portion of the main signal is split off to the monitor port 41.

While the configuration of FIG. 2 has been described as an eight to onecoupler, it will be appreciated that the same configuration could alsobe used as an eight-to-one splitter with monitor capabilities byslightly modifying the configuration of the directional coupler 46. Inother words, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that thetransformers 44-1 to 44-7 can be used as splitters as well as combiners.

FIG. 3 illustrates a six port combiner module 110 suitable forpracticing various aspects of the present invention. The module 110includes a housing 112 having a frame 114 defining a front 116 and aback 118. The housing 112 is adapted for at least partially enclosingradio frequency circuitry such as circuit board 132. Plug connectors136-1 to 136-6 are mounted at a front edge of the circuit board 132.Attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6 are shown inserted within the plugconnectors 136-1 to 136-6. The attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6 can beaccessed at the front 116 of the housing 112 by removing a front cover140 from the frame 114. A plurality of coaxial connectors 42-0 to 42-7are mounted at the back 118 of the housing 112 and are electricallyconnected to a rear edge of the circuit board 132. Removable plates 128and 130 are provided for enclosing open sides of the frame 114.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary circuit layout for the circuit board 132 ofFIG. 3. The schematic includes six directional couplers 160-1 to 160-6connected in series. Coupler 160-1 is electrically connected to plugconnector 136-1 and coaxial connector 142-0. Directional coupler 160-2is electrically connected to plug connector 136-2 and directionalcoupler 160-1. Directional coupler 160-3 is electrically connected toplug connector 136-3 and directional coupler 160-2. Directional coupler160-4 is electrically connected to plug connector 136-4 and directionalcoupler 160-3. Directional coupler 160-5 is electrically connected toplug connector 136-5 and directional coupler 160-4. Directional coupler160-6 is electrically connected to plug connector 136-6, directionalcoupler 160-5 and coaxial connector 142-7. Coaxial connectors 142-1 to142-6 are respectively connected to plug connectors 136-1 to 136-6 suchthat signals input through the connectors 142-1 to 142-6 arerespectively passed through attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6. Afterpassing through the attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6, the signals aredirected to their respective directional coupler 160-1 to 160-6.

In use, a signal input at coaxial connector 142-0 is combined with asignal input at coaxial 142-1 at coupler 160-1. The combined signal fromcoupler 160-1 is combined with a signal input through coaxial connector142-2 at coupler 160-2. The combined output from coupler 160-2 iscombined with a signal input through connector 142-3 at coupler 160-3.The combined signal from directional coupler 160-3 is combined with asignal input through connector 142-4 at directional coupler 160-4. Thecombined signal output from directional coupler 160-4 is combined with asignal input through connector 142-5 at directional coupler 160-5. Thecombined signal output from directional coupler 160-5 is combined with asignal input through connector 142-6 at directional coupler 160-6.Directional coupler 160-6 outputs a single main signal from the moduleat connector 142-0.

FIG. 5 illustrates an equalizer module 210 suitable for use inpracticing the present invention. The module 210 includes a housing 212having a frame 214 defining a front 216 and a back 218. Three coaxialconnectors 242-1 to 242-3 are mounted at the back 218 of the frame 214.A circuit board 232 is mounted within the housing 212. The coaxialconnectors 242-1 to 242-3 are preferably electrically connected to aback edge of the circuit board 232. A plug connector 236 is mounted at afront edge of the circuit board 232. The plug connector 236 defines aport sized for receiving an equalizer plug 234. When the circuit board232 is mounted within the housing 212, the equalizer 234 can be accessedfrom the front of the housing 212 through an access opening 238 definedby the front 216 of the frame 214. The access opening 238 can be coveredby a removable front cover 240.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit layout for the circuit board 232of the equalizer module of FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 6, the circuitlayout includes a directional coupler 70 electrically connected to plugconnector 236, coaxial connector 242-1, and coaxial connector 242-2. Theplug connector 236 is also connected to coaxial connector 242-3. Theequalizer plug 234 is shown inserted within the plug connector 236.

In use of the equalizer, a signal is input through coaxial connector242-1 and is passed to directional coupler 70. At the directionalcoupler 70, a small portion of the signal is split and directed tomonitor port 242-2. The majority of the signal is passed from thedirectional coupler 70 to the equalizer 234. The signal then passesthrough the equalizer 234 and is output from the module 210 at coaxialconnector 242-3.

Attenuator plugs are commercially available items such as those sold asProduct No. F-7520-A (for a 20 dB attenuator) through CommunicationAssociates 1750 T-'Coleman Road, Anniston, Ala. 36207. The plugs 34-1 to34-8 can be individually selected to provide a discrete amount ofattenuation to a signal. For example, a “zero” plug can be inserted intoa plug connector to provide 0 dB attenuation. Alternatively, at anoption of a technician, the 0 dB plug may be replaced with a plugcapable of providing signal attenuation. For example, a 15 dB plug canbe used to provide 15 dB attenuation to a signal. As a result, each ofthe branch circuits can be individually provided with a uniqueattenuation selected at an option of a technician.

In FIGS. 1–6, the plug connectors (e.g., plug connectors 36-1 to 36-8 ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 1–2; the plug connectors 136-1 to 136-6 of theembodiment FIGS. 2–4; and the plug connector 236 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 5–6) are generically depicted. As indicated above, an importantaspect of the present invention is to provide plug connectors configuredto prevent the signal paths passing therethrough from being brokenduring plug changes. Thus, in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention, the plug connectors 36-1 to 36-8, 136-1 to 136-6 and236 preferably include internal components adapted for preventingsignals passing through the plug connectors from being broken duringplug changes.

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate one of the input lines of thecombiner module 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The portions of the module 10 thatare schematically depicted include the coaxial connector 42-1, plugconnector 36-1, attenuator 34-1, combiner 44-1, combiner 44-5, combiner44-7, directional coupler 46 and coaxial connector 42-0. FIG. 7A showsthe attenuator 34-1 fully inserted within the plug connector 36-1, whileFIG. 7B shows the attenuator 34-1 in the process of being removed fromthe plug connector 36-1.

Referring still to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the plug connector 36-1 includes adielectric housing 300 that can be mounted at the edge of a circuitboard (e.g., at the edge of the circuit board 32 shown in FIG. 1). Twothrough-contacts 302 (i.e., IN and OUT contacts) are mounted within thehousing 300. One of the through-contacts 302 is electrically connectedto the combiner 44-1, and the other through-contact 302 is electricallyconnected to the coaxial connector 42-1. A conductive bypass-path 304 isused to provide an electrical connection between the twothrough-contacts 302. The bypass-path 304 includes contact regions 306positioned adjacent to each of the through-contacts 302. The plugconnector 36-1 also includes a ground contact 305 positioned between thetwo trough-contacts 302. The ground contact 305 is electricallyconnected to ground.

While the through-contacts 302 and the ground contact 305 could have avariety of different configurations, the contacts 302 and 304 aredepicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B as resilient, conductive springs. Thethrough-contacts 302 are preferably biased toward the contact regions306 of the bypass-pathway 304 such that when no plug is inserted in thehousing 300, the through-contacts 302 engage their respective contactregions 306 (i.e., the through-contacts “normally” engage the contactregions). The engagement between the through-contacts 302 and thecontact regions 306 causes the bypass-pathway circuit 304 to be closedsuch that signals can be routed through the plug connector 36-1 even inthe absence of a plug.

Referring again to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the attenuator plug 34-1 includestwo through-pins 308 (i.e., IN and OUT pins) and a ground pin 310. Whenthe plug 34-1 is inserted in the plug connector 36-1, the through-pins308 engage the through-contacts 302 and the ground pin 310 engages theground contact 305. The through-contacts 302 are preferably configuredsuch that when the attenuator plug 34-1 is fully inserted within theplug connector 36-1 (as shown in FIG. 7A), contact between thethrough-pins 308 and the through-contacts 302 causes thethrough-contacts 302 to be disconnected from the contact regions 306 ofthe bypass-pathway 304. In such a configuration, signals entering theplug connector 36-1 are caused to be routed through the attenuator 34-1.

Additionally, the through-contacts 302 and their respective contactregions 306 of the bypass-pathway 304 are preferably relativelypositioned such that when the attenuator 34-1 is in the process of beingremoved from the plug connector 60-1, the through-contacts 302 engagetheir respective contact regions 306 before the through-contacts 302disengage from their respective contact pins 308. Thus, during the plugremoval process, there is a point in time where the contacts 302concurrently engage the contact regions 306 and the pins 308. When thethrough-contacts 302 engage the contact regions 306 of thebypass-pathway 304, the signal being routed through the attenuator 34-1is diverted through the path of least resistance (i.e., the bypass-path304) thereby causing the signal to bypass the attenuator 34-1. Thecontinued removal of the attenuator plug 34-1 causes the through-pins308 to disengage from the through-contacts 302, and the grounding pin310 to disengage from the grounding contact 305. However, because thethrough-contacts 302 close the bypass-pathway 304 before beingdisconnected from the attenuator 34-1, an uninterrupted signal can bepassed through the plug connector 36-1 during the entire plug removalprocess.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bypass pathway 304 providesessentially no attenuation of a signal passing therethrough. Inalternative embodiments, it may be desirable to place an attenuator(e.g., a 4, 6 or 8 dB attenuator or other alternative) along the bypasspathway 304 such that the plug connector 36-1 provides attenuation evenin the absence of an attenuator plug. FIG. 7C shows the plug connector36-1 of FIGS. 7A and 7B equipped with an attenuator 80 along the bypasspathway 304.

FIG. 8 shows another plug connector 400 constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the housing of theplug connector 400 has been removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 30,the plug connector 400 includes two through-springs 402 that arenormally biased into contact with contact regions 406 of a conductivebypass-pathway 404. A grounding sleeve 405 is positioned between the twothrough-contacts 402. Preferably, the through-contacts 402 areelectrically connected to their respective electrical components bytracings provided on circuit board 32. Similarly, grounding sleeve 405is preferably grounded through circuit board 32.

FIG. 8 shows an attenuator plug 34-1 in an intermediate position inwhich the plug 34-1 is not fully inserted within the plug connector 400(i.e., the plug 34-1 is in the process of either being removed from orinserted into the plug connector 400). As shown in FIG. 30, through-pins308 of the plug 34-1 are in contact with the through-springs 402 of theplug connector 400, and the through-springs 402 are concurrently incontact with the contact regions 406 of the bypass-path 404. Because thebypass-path 404 has a significantly lower resistance than the attenuator34-1, any signals provided to the plug connector 402 will bypass theplug 34-1 through the by-pass pathway 404.

It will be appreciated that when the plug 34-1 is fully inserted withinthe plug connector 400, the through springs 402 will be biaseddownwardly and disengaged from the contact regions 406 of thebypass-pathway 404. Thus, in the fully inserted position, signals routedto the plug connector 400 are forced to be routed through the attenuator34-1. Also, as previously indicated, when the plug 34-1 is fullywithdrawn from the plug connector 400, the springs 402 are normallybiased against the contact regions 406 of the bypass-pathway 404. Thus,even when a plug is not inserted within the plug connector 400, signalscan still be routed through the plug connector 400 via thebypass-pathway 404.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another plug connector 500 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. The plugconnector 500 includes two through-sockets 502 adapted to receivethrough-pins 308 of an attenuator plug 34-1. The plug connector 500 alsoincludes a grounding socket 505 positioned between the through sockets502. The grounding socket 505 is adapted to receive grounding pin 310 ofthe attenuator 34-1. Similar to the previous embodiment, thethrough-sockets 502 are preferably connected to their respectiveelectrical components by tracings provided on circuit board 32.Similarly, grounding socket 505 is preferably grounded through circuitboard 32. Once again, for clarity, the housing of the plug connector 500has not been shown in either of FIG. 9A or 9B.

Referring still to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the plug connector 500 includes abypass spring 504 having contact regions 506 positioned adjacent theback ends of the through-sockets 502. Dielectric pins 515 are mountedthrough openings defined through the contact regions 506 (i.e., thecontact regions can snap within circumferential grooves formed in thepins 515 directly adjacent the heads 517). For example, the pins 515 canbe snap fit through the openings in the contact regions 506. Heads 517of the pins 515 engage backsides of the contact regions 506, whileforward projections 519 of the pins 513 extend through the contactregions 506 and into the through-sockets 502.

The forward projections 519 are preferably substantially shorter than atotal length of each through-socket 502.

The bypass spring 504 is preferably configured such that the contactregions 506 are normally biased against the back ends of the throughsocket 502. Thus, when the attenuator 34-1 is not inserted within theplug connector 500, the bypass spring 504 forms a bypass-pathway thatextends between the two through sockets 502. When the attenuator plug34-1 is fully inserted within the plug connector 500 (as shown in FIG.9A), the through-pins 308 push the dielectric pins 515 rearwardlythereby causing the contact regions 506 of the bypass spring 504 todisengage from the backsides of the through-sockets 502 such that thebypass circuit is opened. With the bypass spring 504 open as shown inFIG. 9A, signals routed to the plug connector 500 are forced to passthrough the attenuator 34-1.

FIG. 9B shows the plug 34-1 in the process of being removed from orinserted into the plug connector 500. In the position of FIG. 9A, thethrough-pins 308 electrically contact the through-sockets 502, and thegrounding pin 310 electrically contacts the grounding socket 505.Concurrently, the contact regions 506 of the bypass spring 504 arebiased into contact with the backsides of the through sockets 502. Inthis position, any signal routed to the plug connector 500 will bebypassed through the bypass spring 500 rather than being transferredthrough the attenuator 34-1.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another plug connector 600 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. The plugconnector 600 includes two through-sockets 602 and a grounding socket605 positioned between the through-sockets 602. Similar to previousembodiments, the through-sockets 602 are preferably connected to theirrespective electrical components by tracings provided in circuit board32. Also, grounding socket 605 is preferably grounded through circuitboard 32. For clarity, the housing of the plug connector 600 has beenomitted from FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring still to FIGS. 10 and 11, the plug connector 600 includes abypass spring 604 having contact regions 606 positioned adjacent thethrough-sockets 602. The bypass spring 604 is configured to normallybias the contact regions 606 against the outer surfaces of thethrough-sockets 602. Thus, when no attenuator plug is received withinthe plug connector 600, or when an attenuator is only partially receivedwithin the plug connector 600, the contact regions 606 are biasedagainst the through sockets such that the bypass spring 604 forms abypass pathway extending between the two through-sockets 602.

Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, the bypass spring 604 includes frontprojections 620 that project forwardly from the contact region 606.Dielectric camming members 622 are mounted on the front projections 620.The camming members 622 include portions that extend within thethrough-sockets 602 at an intermediate position along the lengths of thethrough-sockets 602. The dielectric camming projections 622 arepositioned such that when an attenuator plug 34-1 is inserted within theplug connector 600, the through-pins 308 of the attenuator 34-1 engagethe camming members 622 thereby forcing the camming members 622 radiallyoutwardly. As the camming members 622 are forced radially outwardly, thecontact regions 606 of the contact spring 604 are caused to disengagefrom the outer surface of the through-sockets 602 thereby breaking theelectrical connection between the bypass spring 604 and thethrough-sockets 602. In such an orientation, signals provided to theplug connector 600 are routed through the attenuator plugged within thesockets 602 and 605.

As described above, the camming members 622 are preferably configured todisengage the contacts 606 from the through sockets 602 when anattenuator plug 34-1 is fully inserted within the plug connector 600.However, the camming members 622 are preferably positioned atintermediate positions along the lengths of the through-sockets 602.Thus, during removal of the attenuator plug, the ends of thethrough-pins 308 move past the camming members 622 thereby allowing thecontact regions 606 of the bypass spring 604 to move into contact withthe through sockets 602. Preferably, the camming members 622 arepositioned such that when the through-pins 308 move past the cammingmembers 622, the bypass spring 604 makes an electrical connectionbetween the through sockets 602 before the electrical connection betweenthe attenuator and the through sockets 604 is broken. This configurationprevents signals from being lost or interrupted during plug changingoperations.

As used herein, the term “coax connector” will be understood to mean anytype of connector adapted for use with a coaxial cable (e.g., connectorssuch as F-type or BNC connectors). Also, it will be appreciated that thevarious plug connector configurations shown in FIGS. 7A–7C, 8, 9A, 9B,10 and 11 can be used in concert with any type of telecommunicationsequipment to prevent signal loss. For example, the various plugconnector configurations could be used in the combiner module 110 ofFIGS. 3 and 4 or in the equalizer 210 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Further,it is noted that while the plug connectors are preferably board mounted,the plug connectors can also be incorporated into systems/modules thatare hard-wired or that use other types of electrical connectingtechniques such as flexible circuits. Further, the various aspects ofthe present invention can be used in active as well as passive systems.

FIGS. 12A and 12B schematically show a portion of the equalizing module210 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, the coax connectors 242-1 to 242-3,the directional coupler 70 and the plug connector 236 of the module 210are depicted. FIGS. 12A and 12B also schematically depict the equalizer234. The equalizer 234 is shown including two through-pins 708 and twogrounding pins 710.

Referring still to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the plug connector 236 includes adielectric housing 700 sized for receiving the equalizer plug 234. Twothrough-springs 702 and two grounding springs 705 are mounted within thehousing 700. One of the through-springs 702 is electrically connected tothe coaxial connector 242-3, while the other through spring 702 is shownelectrically connected to the directional coupler 70. Preferably, thethrough springs 702 are electrically connect to their respectivecomponents by tracings provided on the circuit board 232 (shown in FIG.12). Additionally, the grounding springs 705 are preferably groundedthrough the circuit board 232.

Similar to previous embodiments, an electrical bypass-pathway 704 ispreferably provided within the housing 700 between the twothrough-springs 702. The through-springs 702 are preferably normallybiased against contact regions 706 of the bypass-pathway 704. Thus, whenno plug is inserted within the plug connector 236, the bypass pathway704 provides an electrical connection between the two through-springs702 thereby allowing signals to be routed through the plug connector236.

FIG. 12A shows the plug connector 236 with the equalizer 234 fullyinserted therein. With the equalizer 234 so inserted, the through-pins708 of the equalizer force the through-springs 702 of the plug connector236 out of contact with their corresponding contact regions 706 of thebypass-pathway 704. Thus, with the equalizer 234 fully inserted withinthe plug connector 236, the circuit formed by the bypass-pathway 704 isopen, and signals routed to the plug connector 236 are forced throughthe equalizer 234.

FIG. 12B shows the equalizer 234 at an intermediate position within theplug connector 236. At the intermediate position, the through-springs702 remain in contact with the through-pins 708, the grounding springs705 remain in contact with the grounding pin 710, and thethrough-springs 702 are biased into contact with the contact regions 706of the bypass-pathway 704. With the plug 234 shown in the position of12B, signals directed to the plug connector 234 will be routed throughthe lower resistance path defined by the bypass-pathway 704. Thus, theconfiguration of the through-springs 702 and the bypass-pathway 704allows the signal to be routed through the bypass-pathway 704 before theconnection is broken with the equalizer 234. This type of configurationprevents the signal from being interrupted when the equalizer 234 isremoved from the plug connector 236.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

1. A device for use in cable television systems, the device comprising:a) a plug having an in-pin and an out-pin; b) a plug connector thatreceives the plug, the plug connector including first and secondcontacts and a bypass contact region; c) a first signal pathwayproviding electrical communication through each of the first contact ofthe plug connector, the in-pin of the plug, the out-pin of the plug, andthe second contact of the plug connector; and d) a second signal pathwayproviding electrical communication through each of the first contact,the bypass contact region, and the second contact of the plug connector;e) wherein the first and second signal pathways are concurrentlyprovided when the plug is partially removed from the plug connector. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the first signal pathway is provided whenthe plug is fully inserted into the plug connector.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the second signal pathway is provided when the plug isremoved from the plug connector.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second contacts of the plug connector are resilient conductivesprings arranged to contact the in-pin and the out-pin when the plug isinserted into the plug connector.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein thesprings are normally biased towards the bypass contact region of theplug connector.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug is anattenuator plug.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug is anequalizer plug.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug connectorfurther includes a third contact positioned between the first and secondcontacts, the third contact being configured to contact a ground pin ofthe plug.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and secondcontacts include sleeve-like sockets.
 10. The device of claim 1, furtherincluding a dielectric housing configured to at least partially enclosethe plug connector.
 11. The device of claim 10, further including aremovable cover connected to a front of the housing, the cover beingarranged to selectively cover the plug connector.
 12. The device ofclaim 11, further including coax connectors located at a rear of thehousing, the coax connectors being electrically connected to the plugconnector.
 13. The device of claim 12, further including a printedcircuit board that electrically connects the coax connectors to the plugconnector.
 14. The device of claim 1, further including a housing havinga front side defining an opening constructed to provide access to theplug connector, and a rear side at which at least one coaxial connectoris mounted.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the housing has agenerally rectangular construction.
 16. The device of claim 14, furtherincluding a combiner located within the housing, the combiner being inelectrical communication with the plug connector.
 17. The device ofclaim 14, further including a directional coupler located within thehousing, the directional coupler being in electrical communication withthe coaxial connector.
 18. The device of claim 14, further including afirst coaxial connector connected to the first contact of the plugconnector, and a second coaxial connector connected to the secondcontact of the plug connector.
 19. A device for use in cable televisionsystems, the device comprising: a) a housing having a front side and aback side; b) a plug connector located at the front side of the housing,the plug connector including first and second contacts and a bypasscontact region; c) a plug having an in-pin, an out-pin, and a groundpin, the plug being configured for receipt within the plug connector; d)a first coaxial connector located at the back side of the housing, thefirst coaxial connector being electrically connected to the firstcontact of the plug connector; e) a second coaxial connector located atthe back side of the housing, the second coaxial connector beingelectrically connected to the second contact of the plug connector; f) afirst signal pathway providing electrical communication between thefirst and second coaxial connectors, the first signal pathway beingdefined through the first contact of the plug connector, the in-pin ofthe plug, the out-pin of the plug, and the second contact of the plugconnector; and g) a second signal pathway providing electricalcommunication between the first and second coaxial connectors, thesecond signal pathway being defined through the first contact, thebypass contact region, and the second contact of the plug connector; h)wherein the first and second signal pathways are concurrently providedwhen the plug is partially removed from the plug connector.
 20. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein the first signal pathway is provided whenthe plug is fully inserted into the plug connector.
 21. The device ofclaim 19, wherein the second signal pathway is provided when the plug isremoved from the plug connector.
 22. A device for use in cabletelevision systems, the device comprising: a) a plug having an in-pinand an out-pin; b) a plug connector that receives the plug, the plugconnector including first and second resilient conductive springs and abypass contact region, the resilient conductive springs being arrangedto contact the in-pin and the out-pin when the plug is inserted into theplug connector; c) a first signal pathway providing electricalcommunication through each of the first contact of the plug connector,the in-pin of the plug, the out-pin of the plug, and the second contactof the plug connector; and d) a second signal pathway providingelectrical communication through each of the first contact, the bypasscontact region, and the second contact of the plug connector.
 23. Thedevice of claim 22, wherein the springs are normally biased towards thebypass contact region of the plug connector.